Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, Michigan, is a dynamic four-year, public, comprehensive university that has grown its reputation based on its award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and nationally recognized academic programs. Northern has a population of about 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Ask a few Northern students what drew them to our university and you will get a variety of answers. That's because there is no single thing that make students want to go to Northern; it is ALL the things that we do here. Northern is big enough to offer a wide variety of academic programs but is also small enough that every time you walk across campus, you'll probably wave "hi" to someone you know.

Curiosity is the raw ingredient of knowledge. It causes us to ask questions, to seek answers, to learn. At Northern Michigan University, natural curiosity and intellectual challenge meet in stimulating classes grounded in the liberal arts. So wherever your curiosity leads you, you can count on the support you need to take the next step, ask the next question, propose the next hypothesis.

The mission of the Northern Michigan University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports and the United States Olympic Training Site is to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, interpersonal growth and social development; embraces diversity; teaches lifetime leisure skills; fosters spirit and tradition; and builds a lifelong connection to NMU.

Yes, you'll attend your classes, but what else will you be doing as a student at Northern? There's so much stuff to choose from. There's a student organization or club – almost 300 at last count-- for just about every interest. If you're into investigating the paranormal, anime or improv comedy, there's a group. Cheer on your fellow Wildcats at a hockey game or volleyball match. Join a competitive club sport or an intramural team. The sky is the limit.

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Education, Leadership and Public Service

NMU was founded as a college to educate teachers in 1899 and has a
longstanding reputation as one of the best. The undergraduate and graduate
programs in our department will prepare you to become professional educators,
leaders, and public servants who strive to continuously develop and maintain
themselves as models of sound democratic citizenship, as knowledgeable and
skillful practitioners, and as professionals.

Experience learning

Aside from small classes with caring, experienced faculty, you will also take part in a number of special teaching experiences, including workshops, guest lectures, field experiences and a full semester as a supervised student teacher. Students seeking a special education endorsement will also have a four-week internship along with extensive experience working with children who have cognitive or emotional impairments. We know that doing is a powerful part of learning.

Career excellence

NMU is rated as an exemplary teacher preparation institution by the Michigan Department of Education and has one of the highest pass rates on the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification. Our graduates are highly regarded by employers and have a high placement rate, even in regions with limited job opportunities.

What you’ll do at NMU

Maybe you’ll teach a disabled student how to handle a horse in a
therapeutic riding program. Or select and provide books in Spanish for a
children’s library in Honduras. Or create multi-media presentations on
teaching in a global society. Join our education student organizations and
plan community events. However you choose to get involved you’ll grow
beyond your imagination and have the personal attention and support of
talented, caring teachers every step of the way.